To all,

We've been looking in to purchasing a Hi-Lo that will fit into a standard garage and we've lolcated a 2000 model 22 footer that looks like fits the bill. Understanding the unit is a bit older are there any specific problems or concerns with this model/year that we need to checkout before purchase the unit?

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

R & M

Roymel,

When it comes to buying any used RV, the Hi Lo would not be any different, depending on the care and maintenance given by the previous owner. I have found the biggest problem with RV's is the way in which they are/were stored. The elements can do a number on any RV if they are not stored properly. If the previous owner kept it under a shelter, in a garage, or under a RV cover, that will be to your advantage. If the unit is left out in the elements, extreme heat, cold, rain, for extended periods of time, that is where you come across many of the problems addressed here on the forum.

If the suggested maintenance items were adhered to, you should have no problem. Should you purchase this unit, I would first check and grease the axles before taking it on any road trip. When we purchased our 1991 model, we were assured the axles had been recently greased and we made it less than 200 miles before having a wheel nearly fall off. Lubricate the cables per the owner's manual, and check the roof for damage.

A 2000 model will surely need to have all the windows checked and probably require new butyl tape be applied, but that would be the same on any RV of this age. There are several posts on the forum that explain the process.

We have owned [3] Hi Lo's and so far as I'm concerned, the older units seem to have had better quality control at the factory than the newer units as the manufacturer began cutting corners [to the company's detriment] which eventually caused them to close their doors. The basic mechanics of the Hi Lo is sound and if given proper care and maintenance, will provide years of good service.

Should you buy this unit, you will find lots of help from the members on this forum. Good Luck.

Jerry Curtis
2406 T

Jerry,

Thank you very much for taking the time to provide some wisedom, much obliged. I was thinking along your lines with respect to the older units possibly being at least a bit better, so it is comforting to have the confirmation from someone who has owned multiple units. We're likely going to make the purchase today, so we'll see how that goes.

Again, thank you very much for your feedback.

R & M

Some of the major things to look at.

This was taken from NDgent's post here on the forum. It is a great go-by list. You can do a search of thinking about buying and find his post to read it first hand.

Basically, start with the visual items –
1. Exterior
• Look for water stains and discoloration on inside walls and around ceiling anywhere vents, skylights, windows, etc. exist.
• Push and prod with your hand on the inside walls for soft spots (which could indicate a water leak and a damaged or rotten interior wall).
• Check for bubbles in the wallpaper (a sign of delimitation or water intrusion)
2. Interior cleanliness of the unit-
• Look for water stains and discoloration on inside walls and around ceiling anywhere vents, skylights, windows, etc. exist.
• Push and prod with your hand on the inside walls for soft spots (which could indicate a water leak and a damaged or rotten interior wall).
• Check for bubbles in the wallpaper (a sign of delimitation or water intrusion)
3. Test appliance functions –
• lights
• fans
• refrigerator
• air conditioner
• heater
• water pump
• range hood
• stovetop
• oven (if equipped)
• microwave (if equipped)
• stereo (if equipped)
4. Lift System-
• Does the unit raise and lower properly
• Check the lift system for hydraulic leaks (puddle under the trailer)
• Check the lift cables to see if they are in good shape and not frayed
• Check the seal between the upper and lower body halves for tears or damage
5. fill the tanks to the top and check for leaks
6. Battery
7. Solar Panel (if equipped)

__________________
"Ruben"
2404T, 2003 2500HD 4X4 GMC Sierra SLT Crew Cab w/Astro camper shell and 2003 Chevy Tahoe LE 4X2
Far West Texas

Roymel

I assume you have done this but make sure your garage from back to door is longer than 22 ft. Mine was about six inches short.

That said- I bought a 22 foot 2001 this spring that was garaged by the previous owner and it was (is) in very good condition. In fact- many of the issues with cracking end caps and caulking etc that I have been reading here seem to be on later models. I have not found any of those issues on mine.

I agree with previous posters that aside from the lift mechanism there isn't much about them that is different from other RVs. And, of course, the lift mechanism is WHY I was attracted to them along with a few other things---like ALL THE WINDOWS. Love that....

I spent just a few thousand UNDER what I could have gotten a brand new low end 19ft travel trailer for----which was lighter and had a built in stereo system and fancier looking wood veneer etc----but all in all did not seem as well constructed as the hi-lo nor as pleasant to be in. i spent a few thousand OVER what I could have bought other used travel trailers for of the same vintage but of more conventional construction. Again, they were pretty similar to the new one I could have gotten. Weighing the plus and minus of these types of comparisons is, after all, what buying "used" is all about, whether it be trailers, cars, houses, whatever. My view is- after a year or two- whether or not the "factory" is still around is irrelevant ....much more so than whether or not dealers or repair facilities are available to deal with whatever issues might arise. As has been mentioned- all the parts are available as after market and an extensive dealer network is still out there. Plus- if you read this forum- a GREAT deal of expertise is available even to the point of more-or-less re-building one from the ground up. If kept in good condition- my guess is that Hi-Lo will maintain its value simply because you CANNOT BUY a new one----and they are unique. Good luck in deciding.

Rick

__________________
2201 TL

2010 Nissan Titan king cab SE
4x4

To all,

Thank you very much for all your guidance it is truly apprecated. Thanks to you all I know have a great set of guidlines to follow when checking out the used Hi-Los.

We'll, we were all ready to buy with cashier check in hand, but just before arrival we received a call from the seller telling us there was an issue - I had looked the trailer over fairly well on our first visit, but had asked the seller to operate the refrigerator, stove and hot water heater before we made the actual purchase. Since we received the call when we were not more than 30 yards from the sellers house we were quite thrown when the seller reported that there was some sort of leak with the water heater. When we pulled up there was a great deal of water on the ground and it had come from inside the trailer from the leak. Needless to say we chose not to go through with the purchase since I'm a bit skeptical about the partical board flooring to begin with and that combined with it getting significantly wet from the inside completely ruined it for me. We were very disappointed since it seemed to be in very good shape otherwise and we were ready to buy.

Good news, the seller was honest at told us of the issue and we didn't get it home or on a trip and discover/have this issue.

So, we're back on the hunt for another Hi-Lo.

It seems like the older models are significantly lower in the down position than the newer ones - do any of you know which ones are 71" tall in the down position?

Thanks again,

Roymel

Sorry this HiLo did not work out for you. Too, bad the owner did not discover and fix the problem before purchase. What ever is wrong with the water heater it is fixable. Could be as simple as a crack in the water holding tank. Reconditioned water heaters are available. Maybe ,you could go look at the HiLo again and get a reduction on the price. If he sopped up the water right away the unit would be okay. Just a thought.

Have the owner dry it out and fix the problem and give him a low ball offer, once it is dry there shouldn't be anympre problems and you get a good deal